Christian. Husband. Dad. Pastor.

May 23, 2017May 24, 2017

#PrayForMarawi

My son Yanan just posted the following on Facebook:

Please pray for the Philippines. I was chatting with some friends and family in Manila, Marawi City, and my very own Cagayan de Oro City. ISIS flags are being raised in Marawi City, and they have been burning hospitals and schools. There is a lot of pain, anxiety, and fear. President Duterte has declared martial law in Mindanao, and many of my dear friends have become even more anxious because of this news. In all of these bad news, may God have mercy and shed the light of his good news in Christ to the Philippines.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
– Isaiah 41:10

The following is from Haron Ar-Rashid S. Dima:

THEY DIMMED THE LIGHTS TO BURN US DOWN

I was told my school is being burned to the ground. I was informed the city jail is on fire. I was messaged the local hospital is taken over by these men in black hoods.

Roads were blocked, fire trucks were seized, and everyone is questioned of religion. If you can’t prove you are a Muslim, you are “taken care” of.

I have received a message that my high school principal is taken as hostage. Along with her are many non-Muslims who strive to give education to young minds of Marawi. My sisters’ classmates and their families are on their way to our house; they are running away from the threat of fire and bullets.

Black flags are raised to claim dominion of the city.

Hope is frail as of the moment.

I haven’t heard from the local government since the mayor’s interview with CNN where he is still yet to validate and collate information. “No casualties reported” he said.

Churches are torched. This ignorance of religious respect is on an all time high. This is taking away the culture and the history of Marawi, or my memory of it at least.

I grew up with non-Muslim friends and educators. I am where I am right now because of them. All the people who grew up from where I did are successful because of the community we were raised in.

I stand with Marawi City and all of the people therein. Please stay strong. Lend a prayer if you can. Open your homes to those in need if you can.Religious leaders, Ulamas, and people of high regard and influence, step in and negotiate!

Lock your doors. Keep your windows low. Stay strong.

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, and the Most Beneficent, light a candle and pray.